Gianni Versace’s sister, famed fashion designer Donatella Versace, took part in a discussion on Monday morning at the Los Angeles LGBT Center.

The conversation covered a variety of topics, including her support for the LGBTQ community, her brother’s legacy, and the introduction of a new scholarship program for LGBTQ fashion students.

Versace was given a tour of the facilities and given the chance to speak with the employees and the young people who were in attendance at the Renberg Theatre at The Village at Ed Gould Plaza during her visit to the center’s Hollywood location.

She expressed enthusiasm at interacting with the young people in attendance and her dedication to assisting them in their artistic endeavors during the event.

The CMO of the center, Philip Picardi, moderated the event, which addressed a wide range of subjects pertaining to fashion, art, and culture. Versace discussed her brother’s lasting influence on the fashion industry as well as her personal contribution to continuing his legacy.

She also talked about her musical collaborations with legends like Prince and how she finds inspiration in the many dynamic communities around her.

The launch of the new Versace Foundation and Council of Fashion Designers (CFDA) scholarship program for LGBTQ fashion students was one of the talk’s high points. The program will help young LGBTQ fashion designers achieve their aspirations in the industry by giving them financial support.

Versace underlined the value of diversity and inclusivity in the fashion industry as well as her dedication to assisting young people from all walks of life. She commended the center for its efforts in providing essential tools and assistance to LGBTQ kids and expressed her hope that the scholarship program will encourage the development of a new generation of artistic talent.

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Skills as a Businesswoman

During the talk at the Los Angeles LGBT Center, Versace shared a childhood anecdote about her late brother Gianni. She reminisced about the time when she was only 11 years old, and Gianni had come out to her as gay, and then playfully asked her to bleach her hair blonde.

She took over the creative direction of the Versace brand following her brother’s murder in 1997 and spoke about her struggles to gain acceptance and recognition from male businessmen in the industry. 

After initially feeling uncertain about her abilities when some businessmen questioned her skills, Versace has worked hard to prove herself. As a result, those same businessmen now have complete trust in her, allowing her creative freedom to do whatever she wants.

Versace also shared fond memories of her friendship with the late Prince, who invited her to his home, Paisley Park, and surprised her with a private concert. She spoke about how he was ahead of his time when it came to gender-bending fashion and beauty, using jewelry and hair to accentuate his style.

The HIV/AIDS epidemic was another topic that Versace addressed during the interview. She talked about how sad it was to lose so many friends to the disease, and praised Elton John and the Elton John AIDS Foundation for their work in trying to eradicate it.

On a lighter note, Versace shared a story about a supermodel catfight that occurred during a 2017 fashion show, which marked the 20th anniversary of Gianni’s death. She reunited Claudia Schiffer, Helena Christensen, Naomi Campbell, Cindy Crawford, and Carla Bruni for the show, but one of the models stole another’s dress from her trailer, causing a brief commotion.

Versace’s interview showcased her range of experiences in the fashion and entertainment industries, as well as her compassion and understanding of social issues. Her friendship with Prince and her commitment to raising awareness about the HIV/AIDS epidemic are testaments to her desire to use her platform for positive change.

Versace Moderator

The talk was moderated by center CMO Phillip Picardi and coincided with the launch of a new scholarship program for LGBTQ fashion students. Center CEO Joe Hollendoner introduced Versace, and the audience included Gigi Gorgeous and Isis King. 

On Friday, Versace is set to present a fashion show featuring the house’s fall-winter 22-23 collection at a private location in Los Angeles. The talk and fashion show showcase Versace’s continued commitment to supporting the LGBTQ community and promoting inclusivity in the fashion industry.

Donatella Versace is a fashion icon and designer known for her innovative designs, bold aesthetic, and unwavering commitment to inclusivity in the fashion industry. Born in Italy in 1955, Versace is the younger sister of the late Gianni Versace, who founded the Versace brand in 1978. 

Donatella took over the creative direction of the company following her brother’s murder in 1997 and has since become one of the most influential designers of our time.

Versace’s designs are characterized by their bold colors, intricate patterns, and use of luxurious materials such as silk, leather, and fur. She is known for her daring approach to fashion, pushing boundaries and challenging traditional ideas of beauty and style. 

Her designs have been worn by some of the biggest names in entertainment, including Jennifer Lopez, Lady Gaga, and Beyoncé.

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An Advocate for the LGBTQ

In addition to her work in fashion, Versace is a strong advocate for the LGBTQ community and has been vocal in her support of queer individuals in the fashion industry. 

She recently launched a new scholarship program for LGBTQ fashion students in partnership with the Council of Fashion Designers of America, underscoring her commitment to promoting diversity and inclusivity in fashion.

Versace’s philanthropic work extends beyond the fashion industry. She has been a supporter of the Elton John AIDS Foundation for many years and has spoken out about the importance of raising awareness about HIV/AIDS and supporting those affected by the disease. 

She also supports a number of other charitable causes, including cancer research and children’s charities.

Despite her success and status as a fashion icon, Versace has faced her share of challenges over the years. She has been open about her struggles with addiction and has spoken about how she used fashion as a way to cope with her personal demons. She has also faced criticism from some quarters over the years, particularly with regards to her use of fur in her designs.

Nevertheless, Versace’s impact on the fashion industry cannot be denied. Her bold designs and commitment to inclusivity have inspired countless designers and fashion enthusiasts around the world. Her legacy will continue to shape the industry for years to come, and her advocacy for social issues will serve as an example to others in the fashion world and beyond.

Photo: High Snobiety